Communicate: If I Could Teach You Just One Pickleball Skill

If you know me, you know I love to teach pickleball. I especially love to teach players one on one, but I realize not everyone can take a lesson with me. So I have one tip…communicate.

Pickleball Lessons

I think it is easier to teach people pickleball when I am able to work with them one on one. We are not all the same. We move slightly differently and it is easier for me to point out smaller things that are unique to each student.

However, I realize that most people don’t get the opportunity to take a one on one lesson with me. Many get their instruction by reading this blog and my blog or watching YouTube videos. Honestly, learning that way can be really tough. You may hear my advice differently than I intended. You might think you are doing what I recommended, but in fact, you are not. Finally, whether you get a lesson in person or by watching a video, if you attempt to make a change you will likely become worse before you become better. This is not bad…it is a necessary step on our road to mastery. But if you are not with me, if you are only reading a blog or watching a video, I can’t reassure you that “yes, you are doing it right….hang in there.”

Just One Tip

I recently spent some time watching a local pickleball tournament. Many of the players commented that they had watched all my videos and read everything I wrote. But as I was watching them play, I was thinking if I only had the ability to teach one thing that I thought would be super easy and most beneficial… what would it be?

Communication

My answer: talking! Learning to communicate is so key.

I had many teams this week taking lessons together, all saying they wanted to play better as a team. Without exception, the biggest thing for all of them was to learn to keep communicating. Learning to call the ball is so key. And equally important is listening. You must be able to hear when your partner calls the ball.

So many problems would be solved by learning to say “me” and “you.” Calling the ball

Focuses your mind on the simple task at hand.

By focusing on that one thing, you get out of your head a bit.

Also, if you are talking you are breathing.

In addition, I have observed that the player gets in position sooner and goes to the ball faster!

Finally, when you call the ball you are making a choice. The more you make choices on the court, and not just react, the more control you have.

So when you go out and play next time, try to communicate more. Because I feel so strongly about partner communication, next week I’ll expound on timing, and your responsibilities when your partner is hitting the ball.

Related

A 5.5 tennis player, Sarah exemplifies the new generation of cross-over players that are changing the face of pickleball. Sarah’s prowess as a pickleball player became recognized nationally during 2015, her break out year. After winning Gold and Silver at the September 2015 Tournament of Champions, Sarah became the one to watch. She followed these impressive wins with four medals at the USAPA National Tournament later that fall, and earned 5 medals at the first US Open Pickleball Tournament in April 2016.
As a member of the International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association and certified member of the the US Professional Tennis Association, Sarah brings over twelve years of experience in teaching and coaching to her clinics and private instruction. Sarah now travels the country working with beginner and advanced players to improve their all around game technically, mentally, strategically and through improved fitness.
Sarah believes that every player has a way they can improve, whether that be by little or big strides. Sarah has a talent for looking at any player and finding ways they as can improve as individuals and to become better partners.

Comments

Communicate: If I Could Teach You Just One Pickleball Skill — 2 Comments

I have always tried to say “you” or me. I’ve been told once by a guy that I was being annoying by saying “you” all the time. I was doing that because he was getting the ball all the time. I then curbed saying it. Later, I realized that he was just upset at how badly he was playing. I will generally ask my partners if it’s okay to say you or me now. But force of habit, it will come out sooner or later. I believe in good communication also. I just wish my partners would communicate better, and also help me call in or out on lobs, side shots, etc. that can help me make a decision on whether to hit the ball or not. Sooo many people don’t say a word, and it makes it so hard! Thank you for this post. It is welcome advice.

Fascinating subject. Everyone has heard it but my estimate is about ten percent of the recreational players do it. Do the pros actually do it? I’m not sure. I am the perienial “caller”. I call you, me, and bounce. Not only do most players fail to do it but many of them don’t even pay attention to my calls. Few things easier to do than get out of the way when your partner calls a lob. I love it when on that rare occasion I play with someone who calls balls. When someone calls a lob, it may drift over to their opponents territory but let the caller take it. Get out of the way. Not a matter of ball hogging. Either player may say mine so don’t get upset if your partner calls a ball you think is yours, simply call it first. I know I sound frustrated here but I don’t believe my experience is rare. What percentage of your varying recreational partners actually communicate?